ALT opening '9 to 5' musical Thursday

Ardmore Little Theatre's production of the musical comedy "9 to 5" opens Thursday evening for an eight performance run at the Goddard Arts Center.

The show is based on the popular movie in which Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda portray three scheming office workers who get revenge on their sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot boss by taking over the company.

After the movie's success, Parton composed both words and music and worked with book author Patricia Resnick in creating the two-act stage musical that hit Broadway in 2009.

In the ALT presentation, the three conspirators are played by Lesley Dvorak of Ardmore, Dani Mack of Durant, and Lisa Riggle, Dickson High School music and drama teacher. Richard Stevenson of Marietta portrays their evil employer and Lucinda Hicks of Ardmore plays the boss's biggest fan.

Directing the show is Susan Yeager of Ardmore who also directed ALT's productions of "Smokey Joe's Cafe", "Jekyll & Hyde, The Musical" and "Bye Bye Birdie." A seasoned professional performer who now teaches acting and vocal music in her Ardmore studio, Yeager also served as vocal music director for ALT's staging of "Evita" and "Hairspray."

Doug Hansen, instrumental music director for Lone Grove Schools, will conduct the show's orchestra, mainly comprised of area high school music directors. Actors and musicians are commuting from Paoli, Davis, Sulphur, Durant and Marietta to take part in ALT's production of "9 to 5."

Though set in the late 70's, the large cast musical remains topically relevant with timely jabs at the problems of equal rights, the glass ceiling and corporate chicanery. Outrageous, thought-provoking, and even a little romantic, "9 to 5" is about teaming up and taking care of business.

Performances, at the Goddard Arts Center, will be at 7 p.m., on Thursday through Saturday, and again on Feb. 28-Mar. 2. There also will be a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $5 for all students. Parental guidance is suggested.